As one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world, WhatsApp continues to change the way we communicate with our friends, family, and colleagues. However, beneath its simple and intuitive interface, WhatsApp has a range of hidden features that can boost our productivity. In this article, we will discuss 10 hidden WhatsApp features you may not be aware of.
- Send Messages to Yourself
WhatsApp allows you to send messages to yourself. This might seem counterintuitive, but it can actually be a useful feature for storing information such as notes and reminders. To do this, simply type in the recipient's number, which is your own phone number.
- Archive Chats
Archiving chats keeps them out of sight without deleting them. This is especially useful for conversations that you prefer not to be prompted about you open WhatsApp, but wish to access later. To archive a chat, go to the chat list, long-press on the chat you want to archive, and select "Archive Chat."
- Use the 'Nametag' Feature
WhatsApp's unique Nametag feature allows you to create a unique QR code that can be used. To use this feature, go to Settings, then select "Data and Storage," and then tap on "Storage Usage." From there, select "Back up and chat history" and select "Use Local Backup." This results in creating a personal QR code that can be automatically recognized by other WhatsApp users to add you as a contact.
- Mute Chats Indefinitely
If you're fed up with notifications from a particular chat, you can mute that chat indefinitely. To do this, go to the chat list, tap and hold on the chat you want to mute, and select "Mute." From there, select the duration you wish to silence the notifications for, or select "Mute forever" to silence the notifications permanently.
- Use WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web enables you to access on your computer, just like you do on your mobile device. To use this feature, go to web.whatsapp.com on your computer, then scan the QR code that appears on the screen with your phone's WhatsApp app. This will allowing you to access WhatsApp on your computer and send messages, make calls, and share files.
- Create a 'Quick Shortcut' to Start a group Chat
If you frequently start group chats with the same group of people, you can create a convenient button to start a group chat. To do this, go to the chat list, long-press on the chat you wish to include in the conversation, and tap on "Add to group." From there, select "New group" and create a new group. You can then add the shortcut to your phone's home screen.
- Change the Font Size of WhatsApp
If you're struggling to read WhatsApp messages due to a small screen, you can change the font size of WhatsApp. To do this, go to Settings, then tap on "Chats," and next tap on "Font Size." From there, tap on the font size you prefer to have.
- Use the 'Blast' Feature
The useful blast feature allows you to broadcast a message to all of your contacts at once. To use this feature, go to the chat list, long-press on a contact, and tap on "Broadcast List." From there, add contacts to the list and compose the text you wish to share.
- Transfer WhatsApp Chats to a New Phone
If you're changing phones and wish to transfer your WhatsApp chats to the new phone, you can do so by saving your chats on the old phone and restoring them on the new phone. To do this, go to Settings, then select "Chats," and then tap on "Chat backup." From there, tap on "Back up" and follow the instructions to save your chats. On the new phone, go to Settings, then select "Chats," and next tap on "Restore Chat Backup."
- Use the 'View Once' Feature
The useful view once feature allows you to send a message that can be viewed only once by the recipient. This can be particularly helpful feature for sending sensitive information, such as sensitive details or credit card numbers. To use this feature, go to the photo or video you wish to share, tap and hold on it, and tap on "View Once." This results in allowing the recipient to view the file only once before it disappears.
